Weight-Accommodating Apparatus

ABSTRACT

A weight-accommodating apparatus and method for easily exchanging weights. In use, the apparatus includes a handle, and a first cylindrical member having a first end and a second end, the first end being rigidly connected to the handle and the second end configured to receive one or more weights, the one or more weights being of a geometry that defines a centrally located hole. Additional apparatuses and methods are also presented.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to kettlebells and more particularly to weight-accommodating kettlebells.

BACKGROUND

Traditional kettlebell systems involve specific sized weights. For example, many kettlebell systems can only use Olympic weights or standard weights but not usually both. Additionally, many kettlebell systems use specially designed weights. Unfortunately, legacy kettlebell systems are unable to accommodate different types of these specially designed weights. There is thus a need for overcoming these and/or other issues associated with the legacy kettlebell systems.

SUMMARY

A weight-accommodating apparatus and method for easily exchanging weights. In use, the apparatus includes a handle, and a first cylindrical member having a first end and a second end, the first end being rigidly connected to the handle and the second end configured to receive one or more weights, the one or more weights being of a geometry that defines a centrally located hole. Additional apparatuses and methods are also presented.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates the weight-accommodating apparatus and one or more weights, in accordance with one possible embodiment.

FIG. 2 illustrates the weight-accommodating apparatus with a protuberance, in accordance with one possible embodiment.

FIG. 3 illustrates the weight-accommodating apparatus with a slidably insertable second cylindrical member, in accordance with one possible embodiment.

FIG. 4 illustrates the weight-accommodating apparatus with the handle at ninety degrees to the cylindrical member, in accordance with one possible embodiment.

FIG. 5 illustrates the weight-accommodating apparatus with a handle forms an open shape, in accordance with one possible embodiment.

FIG. 6 illustrates the weight-accommodating apparatus, in accordance with one possible embodiment.

FIG. 7 illustrates a method of manufacture for a weight-accommodating apparatus, in accordance with one possible embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description of the embodiment(s) is merely exemplary (illustrative) in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses. Additionally, the invention may be practiced according to the claims without some or all of the illustrative information

FIG. 1 illustrates the weight-accommodating apparatus 100, in accordance with one possible embodiment. In the context of the present description, the weight-accommodating apparatus 100 refers to a handle 108; a first cylindrical member 102 having a first end 106 and a second end 104, the first end 106 being rigidly connected to the handle 108 and the second end 104 configured to receive one or more weights (e.g. weight 110 a, and weight 110 b), the one or more weights (e.g. weight 110 a, and weight 110 b) being of a geometry that defines a centrally located hole. Components and/or subcomponents of the weight-accommodating apparatus 100 may be from for any suitable material. For example, in various embodiments, the weight-accommodating apparatus 100 may include components or subcomponents formed from iron, steel, rubber, wood, plastic, carbon fiber, or any combination thereof.

The weight-accommodating apparatus 100 may be formed of multiple components and/or subcomponents. For example, in various embodiments, the weight-accommodating apparatus 100 may include components such as a cylindrical member 102 in the shape of a circle. Additionally, the cylindrical member 102 may be in the shape of a square, a triangle, a hexagon, or any other shape. In various embodiments, the weight-accommodating apparatus 100 may include, as a nonlimiting example, a cylindrical member with a first end 106 and a second end 104 where the diameter of the first end 106 may be larger or smaller than the diameter of the second end 104 or any other diameter. In various embodiments, the weight-accommodating apparatus 100 may include, but is not limited to one or more weights (e.g. weight 110 a, and weight 110 b) being of a geometry that defines a centrally located hole. The weights (e.g. weight 110 a, and weight 110 b) may be fixed to the cylindrical member 102 with a collar. Additionally, the weights (e.g. weight 110 a, and weight 110 b) may include Olympic weights, standard weights, non-standard weights, customized weights, proprietary weights, non-proprietary weights, commercially available weights, or any other type of weight.

FIG. 2 illustrates the weight-accommodating apparatus 200 wherein a protuberance 210 may be affixed to the cylindrical member 202 at the first end 206. The protuberance 210 may be configured to extend outwardly from the cylindrical member 202, in accordance with one possible embodiment. Additionally, in various embodiments, the protuberance 210 may include being constructed of iron, steel, rubber, wood, plastic, carbon fiber, or any other material that meets the above definition. Still yet, in various embodiments, the protuberance 210 may be removable, and/or the protuberance 210 may be adjustable in size and proportion. Further, in various embodiments, the protuberance 210 may be located at additional points along the cylindrical member 202. Optionally, the weight-accommodating apparatus 200 may be implemented in the context of any of the foregoing figures.

FIG. 3 illustrates the weight-accommodating apparatus 300 further comprising a second cylindrical member 312 wherein the second cylindrical member 312 is slidably insertable over the first cylindrical member 302. Some embodiments include a means for affixing the second cylindrical member 312 to the apparatus. For example, in various embodiments, the second cylindrical member 312 may be, but is not limited to, the shape of a circle. Additionally, the shape of the second cylindrical member 312 may be a square, a triangle, a hexagon, or any other shape. Additionally, in various embodiments, the second cylindrical member 312 may include, but is not limited to being constructed of iron, steel, rubber, wood, plastic, carbon fiber, or any other material. For example, in various embodiments, the second cylindrical member 312 may be affixed to the protuberance 310 or the handle 308 or both, or any other combination. For example, in various embodiments, the second cylindrical member 312 may be open at the first end 316 and open at the second end 314; or, closed at the first end 316 and closed at the second end 314; or, open at the first end 316 or the second end 314; or any combination. Optionally, the weight-accommodating apparatus 300 may be implemented in the context of any of the foregoing figures.

FIG. 4 illustrates the weight-accommodating apparatus 400 wherein the geometric plane 418 of the handle 408 and a centerline 422 of the cylindrical member 402 are juxtaposed to form a ninety (90)-degree angle, in accordance with one possible embodiment. Optionally, the weight-accommodating apparatus 400 may be implemented in the context of any of the foregoing figures.

FIG. 4 further illustrates the weight-accommodating apparatus 400 wherein the geometric plane 418 of the handle 408 and a centerline 422 of the cylindrical member 402 are juxtaposed to form an angle other than 90 degrees, in accordance with one possible embodiment. Optionally, the weight-accommodating apparatus 400 may be implemented in the context of any of the foregoing figures

FIG. 5 illustrates the weight-accommodating apparatus 500 wherein the handle 508 forms a closed shape having means for affixing to the cylindrical member 502, in accordance with one possible embodiment. For example, in various embodiments, the handle 508 may be flat, or curved, of varying diameters, or any other shape. Additionally, in various embodiments, the handle 508 may be either permanently-affixed to or removably affixed to the cylindrical member 502 by snapping on, screwing on, being welded on, being tied on, being connected with magnets, being connected via interlocking pieces, being glued on, being connected with adhesive, being connected with wire, being bolted on, and/or any other method of affixing the handle to the cylindrical member. Optionally, the weight-accommodating apparatus 500 may be implemented in the context of any of the foregoing figures.

FIG. 6 illustrates the weight-accommodating apparatus 600 wherein the handle 608 forms an open shape having means for affixing to the cylindrical member 602, in accordance with one possible embodiment. For example, in various embodiments, the handle 608 may be a hook, or bar, or any other shape. Additionally, in various embodiments, the handle 608 may be either permanently-affixed to or removably affixed to the cylindrical member 602 by snapping on, screwing on, being welded on, being tied on, being connected with magnets, being connected via interlocking pieces, being glued on, being connected with adhesive, being connected with wire, being bolted on, or any other method of affixing the handle to the cylindrical member. Optionally, the weight-accommodating apparatus 600 may be implemented in the context of any of the foregoing figures.

FIG. 7 illustrates a method 700 of manufacture for a weight-accommodating apparatus, in accordance with one possible embodiment. In use, method 700 includes providing a handle; and providing a cylindrical member having a first end and a second end, the first end being rigidly connected to the handle and the second end configured to receive one or more weights, the one or more weights being of a geometry that defines a centrally located hole. Additionally, at step 750, one or more weights may be added to the second end of the cylindrical member and the one or more weights may be secured with a collar. The method 700 may be implemented in the context of any of the foregoing figures.

While specific embodiments of the invention have been described, it is understood that the present invention is not intended to be limited only to such embodiments. Additionally, the scope of the preferred embodiment should be defined by the following claims and their equivalents. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. Further, the use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in the context of describing the subject matter (particularly in the context of the claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention as claimed. 

1. A kettlebell apparatus, comprising: a removable handle; a first cylindrical member having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is affixed at an angle of ninety (90) degrees to the removable handle, and the second end is configured to receive one or more weights, wherein the first cylindrical member is configured to receive the one or more weights of different diameter sizes, including a diameter of an Olympic size weight and a diameter of a standard weight, wherein the first end of the first cylindrical member includes at least one of: a snap, a screw base, a magnet, a wire, or a bolt, and wherein the removable handle is separate from the first cylindrical member; a removable protuberance affixed to the first cylindrical member, wherein the removable protuberance extends outwardly from the first cylindrical member; and a collar secured to the second end to hold the one or more weights in place; wherein the removable handle is removably affixed to the first end of the first cylindrical member by at least one of: the snap, the screw base, the magnet, the wire, or the bolt; wherein the one or more weights are positioned such that a plane of the one or more weights matches the geometric plane of the handle.
 2. (canceled)
 3. The kettlebell apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a second cylindrical member.
 4. The kettlebell apparatus of claim 3, wherein the first cylindrical member is slidably insertable into the second cylindrical member.
 5. (canceled)
 6. (canceled)
 7. (canceled)
 8. The kettlebell apparatus of claim 1, wherein the handle forms a closed shape that is affixed to the first cylindrical member.
 9. The kettlebell apparatus of claim 1, wherein the handle forms an open shape that is affixed to the first cylindrical member.
 10. (canceled)
 11. The kettlebell apparatus of claim 1, wherein the removable handle is affixed to the first end of the cylindrical member by the screw base.
 12. The kettlebell apparatus of claim 1, wherein a geometric plane of the removable handle forms the ninety (90) degree angle with a centerline of the first cylindrical member. 